THE first day of spring comes with a warning — health officials say the UV rating more than doubles compared to winter with the associated risk of skin cancer.

The UV index average for Adelaide sits on 2 during May-August but jumps to 5 in September — a UV index of 3 or above is high enough to cause permanent damage to most skin types with prolonged exposure.

A study published in the Australian Family Physician journal this month shows the varying rates of skin cancers being seen by GPs around the nation.

The study found states with higher UV levels like Queensland and the Northern Territory show much higher rates of skin cancer, while states in the lower latitudes like Tasmania and Victoria generally show less skin cancer.

The rates for melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, ranged from the lowest of 23 per 100,000 GP encounters in Tasmania to nearly four times higher at 89 per 100,000 GP visits in the Northern Territory.

Australian Melanoma Research Foundation research director, Professor Brendon Coventry, said the study showed South Australia had a rate of 26 per 100,000 GP visits.

He urged people to be sensible about sun exposure while enjoying the warmer weather — but also noted some sun exposure is essential for good health.

“In South Australia, springtime brings more sun and UV levels begin to rise,” he said.

“Even during cloudy days the UV levels can cause sunburn, which is a key factor in melanoma development.”

“The middle of the day is the most dangerous period, so it is important to avoid the sun and prevent sunburn from spring until late autumn from about 10am until 3pm.”

The latest health warning comes as the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a drier and warmer than average spring in South Australia on the back of a dry August.

After Adelaide enjoyed temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s last week, the mercury is set to drop back to the mid teens today — with showers — before warming up again in time for the weekend.